Jeremy & Marina Kratzer of Dutchman’s: Maine’s Bagel Revolution
Dutchman’s Wood Fired Bagels has become a defining force in Brunswick’s food scene, and at the center of it are Jeremy Kratzer and Marina Kratzer, the husband-and-wife team rethinking what a great bagel can be. They joined Bagel Ambassador Sam Silverman on BagelFest’s Bagel Buzz Instagram Live series to talk about their path from Northeast baking traditions to building Dutchman’s, the technical choices behind their wood-fired process, and how a small shop has helped spark a broader artisanal bagel movement well beyond Brunswick. Their story blends New York and Montreal traditions, a slice of New Jersey nostalgia, and a hefty dose of Maine ingenuity.
Tradition Meets Ingenuity
At Dutchman's, bagels aren’t just baked—they’re crafted. Jeremy explains the shop’s approach as “our take on a New York style bagel baked in a wood fired oven in a sort of Montreal-esque kind of way.” The process draws on his background working with Purple House Bakery (Montreal style) and Rose Foods (classic New York style).
Unlike many shops, Dutchman’s uses a wood-fired oven, a nod to tradition that brings unpredictability and artistry. They fire it up the day before, let it rip until it’s hot enough, then rely on residual heat to bake the next morning. The labor and skill involved ensure “oven spring and a quick bake,” hallmarks of a distinctive Dutchman’s bagel, threading the needle of temperature and timing with every batch.
For Jeremy, baking by feel and troubleshooting on the fly make the job “fun and hands-on.” Marina admits the unpredictability has also given them some gray hairs, but the stress and hard-earned experience have shaped their signature style.
Community and Collaboration
It would be easy to imagine Maine as an unlikely hub for bagel culture, but Marina’s account of events like the Maine Bagel Bake-Off says otherwise. She recalls being “floored” by lines and passionate fans converging to taste bagels from all corners of the state (and beyond). Both she and Jeremy see themselves as leaders in a local movement that’s winning converts and proving skeptics wrong.
What makes Maine’s bagel scene special is its camaraderie. Dutchman’s success reflects endless hours focused on quality, a commitment that’s begun to inspire and connect others regionally. For Marina, her New Jersey roots and childhood bagel memories naturally evolved into a deep appreciation for the Mainers eager to embrace something new.
Attitude Over Water
Every bagel enthusiast has heard it: “It’s all about the New York water.” Jeremy turns this axiom on its head. Drawing on decades-old debates around pizza and bagels, he asserts that what truly makes a New York bagel is “attitude.” It’s the mentality and the pride that local shops and bakers bring—“the aura that is the New York bagel”—which, in his view, can be replicated anywhere passion and dedication meet.
This means that whether it’s in Brunswick, Brooklyn, or beyond, a great bagel is less about geography or water chemistry and more about community, rigor, and care. It’s a fresh and resonant perspective, one that could help reframe debates about authenticity and quality for a new generation of bagel makers.
Focusing on Excellence
Having crossed the three-year mark—a major milestone in the notoriously challenging restaurant world—Dutchman’s is now focused on deepening its roots in Brunswick. Marina emphasizes consistency and dedication, noting that some customers drive hours for a favorite sandwich, and the team feels a duty to uphold “greatness” every day. Special offerings and growth are on the horizon, but filling the line and retaining magic remain top priorities.
Collaboration with local institutions like Bowdoin College further solidifies Dutchman’s place in the town’s fabric. Dutchman’s has essentially become the unofficial hub for students and alums, which is a testament to the shop’s cultural and culinary impact.
For bagel lovers, Brunswick is now a destination. And for Maine, the bagel revolution has only just begun.
Check out Dutchman’s website and Instagram.
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